01.11.13

Hoeven Statement on Army Staff Sergeant Clinton Romesha's Earning of the Medal Of Honor for Valor in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement in response to the White House’s announcement that former Army Staff Sergeant Clinton Romesha will receive the Medal of Honor for gallantry in the service of our nation.

The medal is being awarded for “his courageous actions while serving as a Section Leader with Bravo Troop, 3d Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division during combat operations against an armed enemy at Combat Outpost Keating, Kamdesh District, Nuristan Province, Afghanistan on October 3, 2009.”

Former Staff Sgt. Romesha, who now lives with his family in Minot, is just the fourth living recipient to be awarded the medal for actions in Iraq or Afghanistan. He will receive the medal from President Obama in the name of Congress on February 11 at a White House ceremony:

“I know I am joined by all North Dakotans and all Americans today in congratulating Staff Sgt. Romesha for his heroic actions under perilous circumstances in Afghanistan. The Medal of Honor is our nation’s highest military decoration, reserved for those who distinguish ‘themselves conspicuously by gallantry above and beyond the call of duty.’ We congratulate Sgt. Romesha for receiving this distinction from our nation, and we thank him for his exemplary actions not only on that dangerous day in Afghanistan, but for every day he served our great country.”